DiskGenius OS Migration to SSD Guide (Windows 10/11)
This guide describes how to perform DisGenius OS migration and migrate Windows 10/11 to SSD step by step. The best alternative is included as well. Scroll down to learn more.
By Ivy Updated on April 23, 2025
Why Migrate OS to New SSD?
SSD drives are becoming more and more popular in computer-related fields due to their excellent performance, so much so that many people are trying to migrate operating systems to SSDs. Here are some common reasons in the following:
| Reasons | Description |
| Better performance | In comparison, SSDs offer a qualitative leap in performance over traditional HDDs, i.e., faster boot time, loading time, etc.. |
| Larger capacity | When a hard drive, especially a C: drive, runs out of disk space, you may feel your computer slowing down significantly. It’s necessary to upgrade hard drive or SSD to larger one, preferably an SSD drive (even with a smaller capacity). |
| Well-organized OS | You will definitely want to use the new drive as system drive for better performance if you have one. To copy the operating system without messing it up, the best method is to use a reliable data migration software. |
| Backup purposes | If you don’t want to experience any disk or system issues, you can choose to clone the operating system to a new SSD or HDD and replace the original drive in case of any disaster. |
About DiskGenius OS Migration
DiskGenius is a free cloning software, which offers users a System Migration feature to migrate OS to SSD or HDD (both MBR and GPT) in Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11. It will include the Windows OS,system reserved partition/EFI & MSR partition, installed applications, system updates, drivers, custom settings, and personal data stored.
✨The key feature related to DiskGenius system migration:
- Migrate Windows OS to smaller SSD or hard drive.
- Include all system-related partitions required to start Windows.
- Support two cloning methods - Hot Migration or Reboot to WinPE.
- Set the boot priority in advance after system migration.
Migrate OS to SSD using DiskGenius without Reinstalling
Before using DiskGenius to migrate OS, it’s suggested to clean up the system partition to fit the storage space of the target SSD drive. You can try to uninstall any software you won’t use and delete useless files, especially large files that take up a lot of space.
Step 1. Go to the DiskGenius official website and download it on your computer. Connect the target SSD as well and be sure it’s recognized.
Step 2. Launch DiskGenius after installing it. Then, click Tools >System Migration. You can also click OS Migration in the toolbar.
Step 3. In the pop-up window, select the new SSD as the target disk and click OK.
Step 4. Click OK to migrate system when you receive the warning that all files and partitions on the target disk will be overwritten. Please be sure you backup files to external hard drive or other devices in advance.
Step 5. Drag the arrow between partitions to the left or right to adjust the partition size on the destination disk. Then, click the Start button and OK to confirm you want to migrate system. Additionally, you can change the boot sequence to boot from new SSD automatically or set it manually in the BIOS.
Step 6. Select the system migration method - Hot Migration (Recommended) or Reboot to WinPE. The previous option will migrate OS on the current system without shutting it down, while the latter one will migrate OS in the recovery environment.
Now, you just need to wait for the system migration process to complete. Do not format the original system drive or wipe the hard drive before you can boot from the new SSD successfully.
Although DisGenius helps migrate OS to SSD, it still has some limitations you can't ignore:
- Insufficient support for UEFI systems, especially when cloning a UEFI-based system disk. It may result in missing boot files, or the cloned drive won't boot.
- Incompatible with some NVMe protocols, leading to low performance or an abnormal TRIM feature after cloning.
- Require human intervention to adjust the partition size, but are prone to errors.
- Highly complex interface, scattered features, novice users are prone to misuse.
- ...
If you are experiencing these limitations, it’s wise to turn to another Windows system migration software, such as AOMEI Cloner.
Worry-Free Way to Clone Windows 10/11 OS to SSD
AOMEI Cloner is a simple and worry-free cloning software for Windows 7, 8, 10, 11, and Server. It offers you the System Clone feature to migrate operating system to new SSD or HDD without boot issues, even in different sizes, including the operating system, system files & settings, installed programs, your data, etc.
❤❤❤ Why Choose AOMEI Cloner?
- 👑Bootable clone - Clone HDDs/SSDs or MBR/GPT system disk with secure boot.
- Intelligent clone (default) - only clone the used sectors of a drive, making it easier to clone OS from large HDD to smaller SSD without capacity issues.
- Make full use of disk space - very useful when cloning OS from hard drive or SSD to larger one.
- SSD Alignment - help align SSD with 4k technology and improve the lifespan.
- Disk brands compatible - work perfectly with Samsung, WD, SanDisk, Crucial, etc., whether they are NVMe, PCIe, M.2, SATA, or mSATA. Learn More »
Now, click the download button to get started. Please connect the target SSD and backup files to a safe location if there is any important data.
Step 1. Open AOMEI Cloner after installing. Then, click Clone > System Clone.
Step 2. You will then be asked to select the destination disk. Select a prepared SSD with equal or larger capacity and click Next after each selection.
Afterward, you will receive a warning message, saying "the partition will be overwritten or deleted". Click OK to confirm you want to clone hard drive to SSD.
Step 3 (Important). Set up your cloning settings and click Start Clone to clone HDD to SSD. Be sure to check SSD Alignment to align HDD and SSD for better performance. If the target SSD drive is larger, check Make full use of disk space to adjust partition size automatically.
By default, this software will enable the intelligent clone feature to clone only the used sectors of a drive. It can avoid the cloned SSD won’t boot issue to the greatest extent possible (if it’s smaller).
Download AOMEI Cloner to have a try if you want a fast and worry-free system clone software!
✨How to boot from new SSD in laptop or desktop:
- Press the power button and wait a few seconds to make sure the computer is off completely. Unplug the power source and disconnect the battery as well..
- Remove the screws on the back cover and open it carefully.
- Then, locate the hard drive slots and unscrews the screws securing it.
- Gently slide the new SSD into it at a proper angle. Please secure it with the screws.
- Reinstall the back coverand secure it with the screws.
- Now, you can tryto set the new SSD as the primary drive in BIOS and boot from it.
Closing Words
With step by step guide, you can perform DiskGenius OS migration smoothly. However, it has some limitations, such as insufficient support for UEFI system, that you can’t ignore as most new computer use UEFI system and GPT disk.
If you are using a UEFI system, it’s suggested to use a simple and hassle-free cloning software like AOMEI Cloner. It can handle different cloning issue well and ensure the cloned drive is bootable. It also provides users with more flexible features, such as Add unused space to all partitions, etc.
AOMEI ClonerA reliable disk clone software can help you easily clone system, disk, partition with secure boot.
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